Serve apples with this homemade gooey dip for a special treat

Serve apples with this homemade gooey dip for a special treat


(NaturalNews) It's that time of year when apples are in season, and
folks are celebrating with endless varieties of caramel apple treats. If
you avoid refined sugars or pasteurized dairy products in your diet,
but you don't want to miss out on the caramel apple goodness of autumn;
try the homemade gooey apple dip recipe included here. It's made without dairy, refined sugars... or a stove.

While all sweets should be enjoyed in moderation; this treat actually contains ingredients that contribute
to your good health - lemons, dates and raw honey. Fresh lemon juice is
rich in vitamin C, a vital antioxidant that builds up the immune system
and neutralizes free radicals to decrease the risk of heart disease,
stroke, cancer and other health problems. Dates are a great source of
fiber and they are packed with potassium and other vitamins and
minerals, as well.

Unlike the refined sweeteners found in most
caramel dips, the raw honey used in this recipe provides many health
benefits. Raw honey is full of vitamins and minerals. It contains high
levels of antioxidants and it has anti-inflammatory properties as well.
Make sure you purchase honey that is truly raw because heating
(i.e., pasteurizing) honey destroys its natural health benefits. Raw
honey is most likely found at your local farmers market, natural food
store or the health section at your regular grocer.


Gooey apple dip

Makes about two cups

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup of grapeseed oil
1/3 cup of fresh lemon juice (about 1 1/2 - 2 lemons)
1/3 cup of raw honey
6-8 Medjool dates, pitted and chopped
1 tsp of pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups of unroasted/unsalted cashews*

*You may need to shop at a natural food store to find cashews that are unroasted and unsalted.

DIRECTIONS

In
the order listed above, add all ingredients to a high-powered blending
machine (e.g., VitaMix or Blendtec). Blend until completely smooth.
Transfer to a covered container and store in the fridge until fully
chilled (a few hours). The dip will increase in sweetness and gooeyness
as it cools in the fridge. This dip is delicious with any variety of
apple slices; however, the contrast of tart green apples is an especially nice pairing.

NOTE: While the gooey texture of this dip is best achieved using a high-powered blending machine, it is possible
to make this recipe in a food processor. Just substitute 3/4 cup cashew
butter for the cashews, and reduce the amount of grapeseed oil from 1/2
cup to 1/4 cup. The dip will taste great, but it won't be as
smooth and gooey as it is when using a high-powered blender. However,
because a food processor won't heat up the dip as much as a high-powered
blender, the dip is generally cool enough to enjoy immediately when made in this fashion.


Source:-
http://www.naturalnews.com/037652_apples_recipe_treats.html